1. Golden Algae A Plant-like Protist Jacob Meyer A Plant-like Protist Jacob Meyer

2. Classification Kingdom: Chromista Phylum: Heterokontophyta Class: Chrysophyceae Scientific Name: Dinobryon Sertularia Common Name: Golden Algae Kingdom: Chromista Phylum: Heterokontophyta Class: Chrysophyceae Scientific Name: Dinobryon Sertularia Common Name: Golden Algae

3. Commonalities to Phylum Golden algae share the following traits with all other heterokonts: The cells have a chloroplast ER. Chloroplasts are not only protected by a double membrane, but are also protected by a fold in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some have radial symmetry, while others are asymmetrical. It is acoelomate, as it does not have a body cavity. Golden algae is a free-living, aquatic producer. Golden algae does not display any cephalization. Golden algae share the following traits with all other heterokonts: The cells have a chloroplast ER. Chloroplasts are not only protected by a double membrane, but are also protected by a fold in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some have radial symmetry, while others are asymmetrical. It is acoelomate, as it does not have a body cavity. Golden algae is a free-living, aquatic producer. Golden algae does not display any cephalization.

4. Breeding/Life Cycle While golden algae can reproduce both sexually and asexually, it generally reproduces asexually. The algae can potentially live indefinitely if external forces do not prevent it from doing so. It is an r-strategist, and therefore the number of offspring is unpredictable. It usually uses autogamy, fertilizing its own spores. While golden algae can reproduce both sexually and asexually, it generally reproduces asexually. The algae can potentially live indefinitely if external forces do not prevent it from doing so. It is an r-strategist, and therefore the number of offspring is unpredictable. It usually uses autogamy, fertilizing its own spores.

5. Habitat/Niche Golden algae is usually found in fresh water and are found all over the world. Golden algae is usually an autotroph, receiving energy from the sun, but can also consume small organisms such as bacteria. Golden algae is usually found in fresh water and are found all over the world. Golden algae is usually an autotroph, receiving energy from the sun, but can also consume small organisms such as bacteria.

6. Interesting Behavior/Characteristics In low-lit areas, golden algae can “shut off” its chromosomes and become a heterotroph. Some golden algae have two flagella while others have one. Golden algae gets its name because of the olive-green tint that comes from the pigment fucoxanthin. In low-lit areas, golden algae can “shut off” its chromosomes and become a heterotroph. Some golden algae have two flagella while others have one. Golden algae gets its name because of the olive-green tint that comes from the pigment fucoxanthin.

7. Roles in the Ecosystem Good: Serves as a food source for the zooplankton which indirectly supplies food to every other organism. Bad: Can be an invasive species. Releases a unique toxin that kills gill-breathing organisms. (Anti)Conservation- Project Golden Algae’s goal is to monitor and prevent these toxic blooms. Good: Serves as a food source for the zooplankton which indirectly supplies food to every other organism. Bad: Can be an invasive species. Releases a unique toxin that kills gill-breathing organisms. (Anti)Conservation- Project Golden Algae’s goal is to monitor and prevent these toxic blooms.

8. Golden Algae Video

9. Works Cited "Algae Description and Types." Lenntech. Web. 12 May 2011.."Golden Algae Project.” Arizona Game and Fish Department. Web. 12 May 2011.. "The Protists." Users.rcn.com. 7 Mar. 2011. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/ BiologyPages/P/Protists.html>. "Algae Description and Types." Lenntech. Web. 12 May 2011.."Golden Algae Project.” Arizona Game and Fish Department. Web. 12 May 2011.. "The Protists." Users.rcn.com. 7 Mar. 2011. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/ BiologyPages/P/Protists.html>.